Enhancing seismic imaging via 5D regularization and interpolation: case study from Bazuzi Field, Sirte Basin, Libya

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Seismic Imaging
• Data Interpolation

Background:

• Irregular seismic data sampling and acquisition gaps limit seismic imaging resolution and fidelity.
• These limitations result in aliasing, amplitude distortions, and migration artifacts, hindering structural interpretation and reservoir characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate five-dimensional (5D) regularization and interpolation for reconstructing incomplete seismic datasets.
• To enhance seismic imaging quality and geological interpretation in data-sparse regions.

Main Methods:

• Applied 5D interpolation in the pre-stack domain (inline, crossline, offset, azimuth, time) to reconstruct a continuous wavefield.
• Utilized data conditioning, Fourier-based interpolation, Radon transforms, and least-squares optimization for trace reconstruction.
• Compared nominal and upsampled interpolated grids (250x250m vs. 125x125m) using 3D seismic data from the Bazuzi Field, Sirte Basin, North Libya.

Main Results:

• Upsampled interpolation significantly increased nominal fold coverage (120 to 480 traces/bin) and enhanced offset-azimuth sampling.
• Acquisition footprints were suppressed, missing traces restored with preserved amplitude fidelity, enabling reliable AVO/AVA analysis.
• Improved structural continuity, reduced migration artifacts, and increased signal-to-noise ratio were observed.

Conclusions:

• 5D interpolation effectively mitigates seismic acquisition limitations, enhancing subsurface imaging and geological plausibility.
• The technique improves kinematic consistency and signal quality, crucial for detailed reservoir characterization.
• 5D regularization is becoming essential for high-resolution subsurface interpretation and exploration.